Dead or alive?

Hamas: Mohammed Deif 'Death Certificate' is a Fake

Hamas spokesperson says Deif will 'lead the army to liberate Al Aqsa. Quiet night as just one rocket fired at Israel

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Ari Soffer and Uzi Baruch, 21/08/14 08:23

Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida delivers statement

Reuters

A "death certificate" said to be that of Hamas's military leader Mohammed Deif and currently circulating online has been dismissed as a forgery by the terrorist group.

At least three people were killed in an Israeli Air Force strike which targeted the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigade chief, two of whom were identified as his wife and son. Hamas claimed, however, that the terrorist mastermind himself escaped with his life - but specifics about his condition following the attack have been conspicuously absent, leading to speculation he may in fact have been killed or severely injured.

The "death certificate" shows the names of three people supposedly killed in the attack. The first name listed is "Mohammed Deif", whose date of birth is given as August 1965. The date and time of his death are given as yesterday (August 20), at 6:30 a.m.

A spokesperson for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida, countered that Deif is alive and well, saying Israel "was unable to get to our commander, Mohammed Deif," and declaring that Deif would "lead the army that will enter to liberate the holy al-Aqsa mosque".

Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri went further in an interview with Hamas's Al Aqsa TV, saying Deif wasn't even in the building when the IDF bombed it.

Quiet night

Meanwhile last night saw just one rocket fired at Israel, towards the southern town of Ofakim, after a day of furious rocket fire which saw a total of 175 rockets launched at Israel by terrorists in Gaza.

Also overnight, the IDF struck 20 terrorist targets throughout the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources claim four people were killed in the strikes.

Despite Hamas's pledge to attack Ben Gurion Airport, and warning foreign airliners to avoid flying to or from Israel as of 6 a.m. this morning, no rockets have yet been fired at the airport.

Foreign airlines have not cancelled flights and Airport Authorities say the airport itself is operating as per usual, and is protected in the eventuality of any potential attack.